DOG TAPEWORM

Echinococcus granulosus (Dog Tapeworm) is a little tapeworm that is spread in most parts of the world, mainly with dogs and foxes.

In order to get infected, a human has to get the worm eggs ingested through food or water.

Life cycle

The Dog tapeworm lives usually 1-2 years, but can take a few months to a few years to incubate in a human.

Symptoms

It can take multiple years before any symptoms arise,since the cysts delveop very slowly. A cyst in the liver can give gallstone type symptoms.

Treatment

It is common to treat the cysts with pharmaceuticals in order to try to kill the cysts.

How to avoid it: Be diligent with hygiene when handling dogs in endemic areas and make sure to wash your hads thoroughly after being in contact with dogs. If you have taken your dog to an endemic region, make sure to deworm the dog before entering your home country again in order to avoid spreading of the parasite into new locations.

Source: Swedish Health Care (write english name of FOHM    (FOHM)